The New England Patriots have signed 10 free agents to-date seeking to shore up numerous positions on their lackluster 2020 squad but they still need a big back.
For several years since the departure of favorite LeGarrette Blount, the need for a short-yardage back in New England has remained unfilled. None of the current backs have that ability and it’s time for the Patriots to move to rectify the situation.
It has cost New England dearly since Blount’s departure and it needs to be filled before the season starts. The Patriots have flopped in their efforts to replace the big, bulldozing back since 2016 (his 18 TD season), though one could easily make the argument that they haven’t even tried.
Instead, they have signed or drafted backs in the 210 or 215 pounds range who have neither the speed to break big runs nor the power to be effective in short-yardage situations.
This deficiency has caused the Patriots to rely on their quarterbacks in short-yardage since Blount’s departure. Both Tom Brady and Cam Newton have been called upon to fill that role.
It’s a very poor strategy and one fraught with danger. An injury to a starting quarterback can often signal lights out on your season. The Patriots don’t seem to grasp that reality.
Let’s look at a few ways that deficiency can be remedied.
New England Patriots options for big backs in free agency
One big back with whom the New England Patriots have been linked is Leonard Fournette, 26, of the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Bucs. He has the size required at 228 pounds and would give the Patriots an inside option on short-yardage plays.
Fournette only rushed or 397 yards on 97 carries for a 3.8-yard average in 2020. Yet, importantly, he scored six touchdowns for the Bucs on their way to a title.
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Fournette is still only 26 years old and has two 1000-yard seasons under his belt in his four-year NFL career. No Patriots back currently on the team can say that.
Fournette would certainly be an upgrade on anyone currently on the roster in short-yardage and would at least take some of the burden off Newton to carry that load, both literally and figuratively.
Fournette can also catch the ball as he had 76 receptions in 2019 for Jacksonville and 46 for Tampa last season. He’d also add to recently re-signed James White as a pass-catcher in the backfield.
Overall, he’s a better option for New England than White and will allow the Patriots to avoid picking up the fifth-year option on Sony Michel who has been oft-injured and inconsistent.
New England should splash the cash on Fournette. If they can get him performing up to his potential and past history, he will be a tremendous addition to the offense and a great complement to Cam Newton.
If it takes a trade of Michel to free up cash for this move, the Patriots should move forward expeditiously. No time to wait.
Newton’s running ability last season carried him to 12 rushing touchdowns (he also had a receiving score). But, putting that burden on Newton too often can result in overuse and injury. It’s not a great policy if another good option is available. Fournette would provide just that.
New England Patriots options for a big back in the draft
Another available option with possibilities for the New England Patriots is to secure a big back through trade or especially through the draft. Unfortunately, New England’s drafting of offensive skill players has failed to land any top players in recent years. Maybe this year could change that.
They’d likely be better off sending a mid-level pick (they have three fourth-round picks at present in this year’s draft), to land a proven NFL big back by trade.
But if they choose to draft that back, here are three who might fit the bill.
Najee Harris of Alabama is arguably the top running back option period. He fits the bill to a tee. Harris lists at 230 pounds, but he will not likely be available when New England picks at No. 15 in the draft.
And frankly, that pick and others should be used to land the quarterback of the future above all other needs.
Other New England Patriots options in 2021 NFL Draft
Another back who may be available a bit later in the draft is Javonte Williams of Noth Carolina. Williams stands 5’10 tall and has the required weight at 220 pounds. He rushed for an amazing 19 TD’s with 1140 yards and a whopping 7.3 yard average for the Tar Heels last season.
He also hauled in 25 passes. He’d be a great addition to New England and if an opportunity to trade up (after securing their future quarterback) arises, they should go for it.
One who might be available still later in the draft is Rhamondre Stevenson of Oklahoma. Stevenson is the type of back the Patriots need and if he’s available in the third or fourth round selecting him (or trading up for him) there is a no-brainer. Listed at 246 pounds, he’d certainly fit the big back bill for New England.
Those are just a couple of options for the Patriots to consider for a big back either in free agency (limited availability) or in the draft where there is much more talent available.
The New England Patriots need to finally replace LeGarrette Blount and what he gave the team in the 2016, Super Bowl-winning season. The time to accomplish this and get back to competitiveness and relevance is this offseason.